The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   I See London, I See France is a YA contemporary novel by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski. Sydney is spending four weeks of the summer traveling through Europe with her best friend Leslie. It's a nice break for Sydney, who has spent her entire life caring for her anxiety-ridden mother. But when Leslie's ex-boyfriend shows up with his handsome best friend, Sydney finds more than she was looking for. Sex: There should definitely be a mature rating on this book. Sex is talked about quite frequently and there are some parts that are graphic. Language: Moderate to high. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are scenes with both. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: Sorry Sarah Mlynowski, but I was NOT a fan of this book. There are many other books a lot like this one that are much more tastefully written.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Antisocial is a YA contemporary novel by Jillian Blake. Anna has just been dumped by her boyfriend. While they were together, she completely cut off ties with all of her previous friends. Now, she's all alone but trying to make amends. Unfortunately, someone in school has discovered how to hack into everyone's phones and is slowly releasing anything and everything people have searched, texted, or posted. No one's secrets are safe. Things Anna said in private messages may destroy her friendships for good. Sex: There is one character in particular who frequently talks about things of a sexual nature. Language: Moderate to high. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are instances of underage drinking and steroid use. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are threats between characters.  Final Note: While this wasn't my favorite book, it still successfully showed that nothing you say online or on your phone is actuall...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The latest novel by the bestselling author of Divergent , Carve the Mark is a YA fantasy book by Veronica Roth. Cyra lives in a universe where everyone is connected by the current. Her brother is a ruthless leader and Cyra is forced to use her current gift however he deems fit. Akos comes from a different part of the galaxy. Born into a family of prophets, he is later kidnapped along with his brother and whisked away to the land of Shotet, where Cyra resides. Although they are supposed to be enemies, Cyra and Akos are able to form an unlikely friendship. Will their bond be strong enough to face Cyra's brother and rescue Akos' brother as well?  Sex: It is alluded to, but there are no graphic scenes. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are some drugs used, but they are fictionalized and particular to this series. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are many fights and deaths in this book. Final Note: I w...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Rooting for Rafael Rosales is a middle grade fiction novel by Kurtis Scaletta. Told by two different perspectives in two different time periods, this is the story of Rafael and Maya. Rafael has big dreams about playing baseball in the Major Leagues in America. As he gets older, his path crosses with Maya, a young girl living in Minnesota who has decided to root for Rafael, despite the fact that she doesn't even like sports all that much. Both Rafael and Maya learn many lessons about life and how they see the world. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This was a very cute book! I think both middle grade boys and girls will enjoy it. Because it's told from two different perspectives, readers will get the chance to see different points of view. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Midnight at the Electric is a YA novel by New York Times' bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson. This book is split into three different time periods. 2065, 1934, and 1919. Told in alternating perspectives and through letters, Midnight at the Electric is a mix of historical and science fiction. Adri, living in 2065, is one of the lucky few Colonists chosen to live on Mars. While living with a distant family member she previously didn't know existed, Adri comes across some old letters that take her through stories in the past: Catherine, who lived in Kansas during the Dust Bowl and Lenore, who lived through the First World War in England.  Sex: Sex is mentioned on a couple of occasions, but it's never described in a lot of detail. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: A few instances of drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several suspenseful scenes and deaths. Final Note: This was such a uniqu...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Lucky Girl is a YA contemporary novel by Amanda Maciel. Rosie is beautiful and she knows it. But as she's gotten older, she's discovered that she wants to be known for more than just being the "pretty girl." When her best friend Maddie arrives home from a summer trip looking stunningly gorgeous, Rosie can't help but feel a little jealous. Not only that, Maddie is interested in a guy Rosie used to date. One night at a party, Rosie is sexually assaulted. The circumstances around this incident strain her friendships and make her feel like an outsider. Only Alex, a new guy in town, seems to truly see Rosie for who she really is. Will she ever be able to move past this? Sex: Sex is discussed on several occasions. Rosie is sexually assaulted. The scene is descriptive. Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are scenes of underage drinking and drug use. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: One character su...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Pearl Thief is a YA historical fiction novel by Elizabeth Wein. The prequel to Code Name Verity , this book gives readers a look into Julie's life. When she was fifteen years old, Julie spent her summer saying goodbye to her grandfather's estate. While there, Julie is attacked but cannot remember the circumstances surrounding the incident. A family employee is also missing and no one can find him. Julie makes it her mission to find out what really happened and to help the Scottish Traveller family she has befriended. Sex: There are no explicit scenes, but Julie explores her sexuality, with both an older man and a female friend. Both scenes just involve kissing, but the details are pretty sensual. A man is naked when searching in the water. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Some drinking and smoking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are suspected deaths and Julie is attacked. There are a couple of f...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Clayton Byrd Goes Underground is a middle grade fiction novel by Coretta Scott King Award winner Rita Williams-Garcia. After his Cool Papa dies, Clayton's mother forbids him from playing the harmonica his grandfather gave him. But Clayton can't stop. The blues are what connects him most to Cool Papa. Clayton runs away from home and his journey teaches him many things along the way. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Clayton has a few run-ins with a local gang on the subway. Clayton finds his grandfather after he has died. Final Note: I love Rita Williams-Garcia! This book was short, but it was an awesome read! Clayton is a character that many kids will be able to relate to. Clayton and his mother disagree, but I loved how they were eventually able to see things from the other's perspective.

Purchase this book on Amaon here! One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance is a middle grade collection of poetry by Nikki Grimes. Grimes uses the "Golden Shovel" method to combine poems from the Harlem Renaissance with her own words. This book also includes beautiful illustrations.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Some poems discuss struggles with violence faced by African Americans. Final Note: This book was gorgeous! Not only will readers be exposed to classic poems, but Nikki Grimes does a fabulous job including her own works.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Me and Marvin Gardens is a middle grade fiction novel by Amy Sarig King. Obe Devlin's family has had their farm taken over by developers. The only thing Obe has left is the creek. He doesn't even have his best friend Tommy anymore.Tommy found new friends when the development kids moved in. One day, Obe spots a creature that is unlike anything he's ever seen or read about before. He names him Marvin Gardens and the creature becomes his best friend. But when something strange starts to happen, Obe must decide if he can share his secret. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some bullying and fist fighting. Final Note: This book was super cute! I recently read Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere and this book was pretty similar, but with a deeper story line. I think middle school boys and girls will really enjoy this unique novel!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Midnight Without a Moon is a middle grade historical fiction novel by Linda Williams Jackson. Rose Lee Carter is a 13-year-old African-American girl living in 1950s Mississippi. Life is moving forward normally until Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American boy, is killed for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Now Rose must decide what is truly important: letting things stay the same or fighting for her rights.  Sex: There are mentions of unplanned teenage pregnancies. A character sneaks off to see a boy at night, but no details are told.  Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The death of Emmett Till is very emotional and disturbing. While less graphic than some other books, this novel still shares details.  Final Note: I truly believe this book is a Newbery contender. Upper middle grades and high school students will learn a lot from this story. Rose is a likeab...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War is a nonfiction book by Mary Roach. Although it isn't technically a young adult book, it has been on several recommended reading lists for high school students. This book covers the science behind modern warfare: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sex: Sex is discussed in relation to war injuries. Language: Moderate. There are several instances of strong language. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several gory chapters and topics covered. This book is not for those with a weak stomach. Final Note: This book was not my cup of tea. But the author has a very unique and intriguing writing style and anyone who is interested in nonfiction war-related books will like this one. It is very graphic, but it is also quite humorous. I can say I learned a lot of new information.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Someday Birds is a middle grade fiction novel by Sally J. Pla. Charlie likes for everything to be predictable. He has a very specific way of doing things and he knows what he likes. But when his dad is sent across the country to be treated for a medical condition, Charlie and his siblings embark on a road trip that challenges everything he knows. Will he be able to go with the flow? And most of all, will he be able to find every bird on his dad's list? That's the only thing that will make him better, right? Sex: No sex, but Charlie often remarks on how "boy crazy" his sister is and she is often seen flirting with different boys. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are some discussions of death and war. There are also a few suspenseful scenes, but nothing too mature. Final Note: I loved this book! It's on my Newbery prediction list. Middle grade lite...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Bubonic Panic! When Plague Invaded America is a middle grade nonfiction novel by Gail Jarrow. This book tells the history of the bubonic plague in America and how it has been approached and handled over the years. Sex: None. There are a few mentions of symptoms of bubonic plague being from sexually transmitted diseases, but it's never in detail. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The pictures and descriptions are pretty graphic. This book is definitely not for any students who have a weak stomach! Final Note: I learned a ton about the bubonic plague that I didn't know before! For middle graders who are interested in science and nonfiction, this book is well-written and informative. I think students will really enjoy it. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Scar Island is a middle grade fiction novel by Dan Gemeinhart. Jonathan has been sentenced to ten weeks at the Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys. On an island in the middle of the sea, Slabhenge is far from civilization. When an accident leaves the prisoners without adult supervision, the "troubled boys" must figure out how to survive on their own. Will they make it out alive? Sex: None. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: One of the adults is seen drinking near the beginning of the book. The boys talk about getting into his "booze" later, but it doesn't happen. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: This is a very suspenseful book. There are a few violent scenes between the boys and several frightening scenes. There are also some deaths.  Final Note: Once again, Gemeinhart has written an awesome middle grade novel that both boys and girls will enjoy! Reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, thi...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Grit is a YA contemporary thriller by Gillian French. Darcy spends her summer raking berries with her sister Mags and their cousin Nell. She works hard at her job as a distraction, and she needs a lot of distracting. A local girl has been missing for a year and Darcy and Nell are hiding a secret of their own. On top of all that, Shea, the boy she went too far with on the Fourth of July, won't leave her alone. Will Darcy make it through the summer with no new secrets, or will the ones she already keeps come spilling out? Sex: Sex is big theme in this book, but there aren't any explicit details. Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Underage drinking and drug use. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: It's suspected that a girl is dead. There are several instances of physical abuse and fist fights.  Final Note: I don't read a lot of thrillers, but this one was pretty good. It was a little predictable, but no...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team is a nonfiction book by Steve Sheinkin. Most people have never even heard of the Carlisle Indian School. But in the early 1900s, the Carlisle Indian football team was the team to beat. When Pop Warner, the coach, and Jim Thorpe, arguably the world's greatest athlete, came together, history was made. This book tells the story of one of America's least-known, but most impressive, football teams of all time.  Sex: None. Language: Pop Warner often cursed at his players, but the words are "bleeped" out in the book. Drug/Alcohol Use: Several instances of underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several football related deaths are mentioned. Also, when football first became a sport, it was incredibly more violent and was almost banned entirely. This book describes what those days were like in detail. There are also several fistfight...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Gem and Dixie is a YA contemporary fiction novel by Sara Zarr. Gem and Dixie have always been the best of friends. That's what sisters are for, right? But the older they get, the further Dixie seems to drift away from Gem. Troubled by the fact that her father has left them and their mother doesn't make their welfare a priority, Gem struggles with day to day life and finds a confidant in the school counselor. Dixie, on the other hand, seems to be unaffected by it all. When their father shows up again out of nowhere, the two sisters are thrust back together. Will this fix their relationship? Or will they find themselves further apart? Sex: No sex scenes. Gem remarks that her dad messed around on her mom frequently.  Language: Moderate. Drug/Alcohol Use: Underage drinking and smoking. Gem and Dixie's parents are drug abusers.  Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some verbal abuse. Final Note: My heart ...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Deacon Locke Went to Prom is a YA contemporary fiction novel by Brian Katcher. It's Deacon's senior year and everyone is gearing up for the prom. But Deacon feels much too awkward to ask anyone. While confiding his woes to his best friend Jean, his grandmother, Deacon comes up with a brilliant plan: he'll ask her to prom! Jean missed out on her own prom when Deacon's grandfather was shipped out to Vietnam. Unbeknownst to Deacon, his date selection will lead to quite a bit of attention. And when he meets Soraya, he wonders if he made the right choice.  Sex: None. There's some kissing, but no sex scenes. Language: Moderate.  Drug/Alcohol Use: A few instances of underage drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: A few fistfights. Final Note: This was a cute book. I especially liked it because it was set in Fayetteville, Arkansas, so there were some familiar things mentioned. I think the concept was ...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere is a middle grade graphic novel by Elise Gravel. Olga loves animals. She fully intends to be a zoologist when she grows up. One night, she discovers a creature near her house and determines that it's a new species. This is just the beginning of Olga and Meh's friendship. Sex: None. One character comments that they determined Meh to be female by "looking at her behind." Language: None. Just several instances of potty humor. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: None. Final Note: This book was definitely interesting. My two children saw me reading it and asked me to read it to them and they absolutely loved it. They thought it was hilarious! We read it in one 45 minute sitting. I think plenty of other kids will love Olga and Meh just as much as mine did!